TO Spotlight: Tasha Rozez



We always hear the expression "keeping it real" or 'keeping it 100", and I have always admire individuals who are genuinely themselves and unique, especially when they are performers of some type and are prone to having a 'spotlight' on them, and at the same time not allowing it to dim their inner 'light'. I found this to be the case after watching an interview with a talented and motivated individual who has contributed to her craft for 10 plus years and was recently interviewed by ZAGG (a leader in mobile and electronic accessories) - that showcases influential people and the use of modern technology and their gadgets, at the same time sharing their unique story.

Our spotlight is on the 'Conscious Rude Girl...That Dancehall Requires'...Tasha Rozez. Read more and watch her story inside...

'Bad Boy Sound Clash' Diddy Performs In Jamaica [Video]

#Diddy performed in Kingston, Jamaica over the weekend for the first time ever, as part of "Bad Boy Sound Clash" at the Limelight Entertainment complex in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew.


Puff Daddy, aka P Diddy performed his 'bad boy' classic hits including "All About The Benjamins", "I Get Money (Forbes Remix)", and "I Need A Girl". The hip-hop mogul was joined by Beenie Man on the stage to the delight of the energetic crowd. Also in attendance was on the tropical island with Mr. Combs was former undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Lennox Lewis, Brit-based art insider Rachael Barrett, Ocean Style's Douglas Gordon, Guys With Kids star Anthony Anderson and his wife Alvina.

Check out video performances from Sound Clash inside...

Debra Ehrhardt - JAMAICA FAREWELL Coming to Toronto

Jamaica native, Debra Ehrhardt is showcasing her experiences of her dream coming to America which has now become her reality; in her own stage play JAMAICA FAREWELL which is coming to Toronto, November 18th at the Al Green Theatre. 'Jamaica Farewell' is based on Debra's true life story and is a story of struggle, courage, faith, hope and determination. Ehrhardt is a member of the Writer's Guild of America, and was nominated for Best Actress and JAMAICA FAREWELL was also nominated for Best Drama in 2011 by the prestigious Actor's Boy Awards and has also received several awards.

This one woman show has received high acclaim from around the world and is currently in works adapting the story to the big screen directed by Joel Zwick, who also directed My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. Read more on this amazing actress, and a video interview with the Jamaica Gleaner also with details on the up-coming performance...

Music Video: No Doubt – 'Push & Shove' feat. Busy Signal & Major Lazer

#NoDoubt released their sixth studio album, Push And Shove today, and the visual for the track of the same title was also released. The song features Jamaican dancehall artist Busy Signal and producer Major Lazer. The video shows the group who reunited after 11 years, walking the streets of Brooklyn. The director is Sophie Muller. Watch inside.....

Nelly Furtado's Music Gets A Taste of Jamaica

#NellyFurtado spent some time in Jamaica while working on her new album The Spirit Indestructible, collaborating with Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor on a (deluxe-version only) one-drop track called “Don’t Leave Me.” She also recorded with the legendary Sly and Robbie, at Kingston’s Anchor Studios, for an unrelated project.

New Music: Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, and more Inspired by Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary

Truckback Records have released their latest riddim track, inspired by Jamaica’s 50th anniversary, Freedom Shines is a re-lick of Freedom Blues, a vintage riddim that’s been kicking around since Studio One days and is probably best known in the early ’90s incarnation voiced by the likes of Admiral Tibett, Buju and others.

Voicing Freedom Shines is an impressive crew of artists, each with the requisite timeless appeal to simmer on a rhythm like this: Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Gyptian, Warrior King and Turbulence.

Tarrus Riley's “Original Dancehall” is definitely the theme song, an anthemic call for a return to old-time, good-natured dancehall vibes. Listen to the sweet sounds inside...

R.I.P. Legendary Winston Riley (1946-2012)

The passing of legendary Jamaican singer and producer Winston Riley–who slipped away last week, after remaining in a coma since November, went largely unnoticed in mainstream music circles.
Riley was born in Kingston, Jamaica and he was pivotal figure in expanding reggae music internationally. His entry into the music industry was at 16 years old in 1962, when he formed The Techniques harmony group, which recorded their first tracks for Byron Lee, and then later recorded for Duke Reid. In 1968, he left the group and formed his own Techniques record label, moving into production, producing artistes like Boris Gardiner, The Escorts, Alton and Hortense Ellis, and Johnny Osbourne.

His own song, "Double Barrll", performed by Dave and Ansell Collins under Riley's own production, was one of the first international reggae hits, reaching #1 in the Dutch and UK Singles Chart.

 His "Stalag" riddim has often been used. The rhythm was first released in 1973, as the instrumental Ansell Collins track, "Stalag 17", named after the World War II film of the same name. It reappeared later as "Stalag 18", "Stalag 19", "Stalag 20" and "Ring the Alarm Quick".

Riley produced General Echo's hugely influential The Slackest album in 1979, and he went on to launch the careers of Sister Nancy, Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, Lone Ranger, and Frankie Paul.